Latvia and Estonia are very alike - they have stood on the cultural dividing line between Eastern and Western Europe for centuries, one could even say for millennia. The impact that such a position had on the characteristic features of the culture is tremendous. But still these two neighbors can be very different - in a good way of course! Estonians are descended from the Finnic peoples, sharing closely related languages and a common ancestry. The Latvians are descended from the Balts, a different people and culture having very different language and traditions. Also one can be amazed how much different natural environment can be found here. In this trek we take a closer look into the highlights of Estonia and Latvia to see how alike or different these neighbors are.

The tour starts from Tallinn where we will do a sightseeing tour in the city and in the medieval Old Town. Just outside of Tallinn there is Jägala Falls, the largest waterfall in Estonia. We continue to Lahemaa National Park where we visit beautiful Palmse manor and romantic fishermen’s villages and possibly do some sea-kayaking.

Then we visit the castle from the Middle-Ages in Rakvere town, continued by the northern coast with its amazing landscape with huge erratic boulders and impressive limestone cliff.

Next we will move to the border of Russia and stop in a city called Narva. East-Estonia is greatly influenced by Russia and that can be seen in many places. One place where we can see this is the Pühtitsa Russian Orthodox Convent.

When we start going to the south we can see Lake Peipsi, Europe’s fourth largest lake, and the mainly Russian settlements on the shores of the lake. Not far from Lake Peipsi awaits the time-honored University City Tartu - the second largest city in the country.

Exploring continues in the primeval valley of the Ahja River with its 400 million years old sandstone outcrops called Taevaskoja. Suur Muna­­mägi in Haanja Nature Park, the highest peak of Estonia and all the Baltics, offers us a spectacular view of Estonian nature. We will check out the Piusa sandstone caves, which are one of the largest hibernation locales for bats in northeastern Europe.

After south Estonia we enter Latvia. Vidzeme central highlands show us the highest point in Latvia, Gaizinkalns. There is a beautiful landscape, unusual natural formations, castle mounds, unique rocks, and holy springs of mythological and medicinal importance, castles, baronial estates, inns, churches and windmills.

In central Latvia we take a closer look at the Kurzeme's Baroque gem and the former residence of Duke Biron of Kurzeme, Rundale Palace. The interior of the palace has been restored and is mostly in the Rococo style.

The western part of Latvia has many interesting sights. We check out nice Kuldiga Old Town. The town also boasts the widest waterfall in the Baltics on the River Venta - 2 m high and 249 m wide. The waterfall can be viewed up close or from the old brick bridge that dates to 1874 and is one of the longest bridges of its type in Europe (166 m).

The northernmost point of Kurzeme in Slītere National Park shows us Kolkasrags, where we go hiking and can see characteristically Latvian forests and marshes, badger sets, beaver dams, and rare bird species.

After Kolka we go towards Riga but stop in Jurmala. It is the largest resort city in the Baltic States. The attraction of Jurmala hides in its almost 33 km long white sand beach, the large pine forest and the natural border of the city – the river Lielupe.

In Riga we spend almost 1,5 day to discover this beautiful city. The Capital of Latvia has unique values due to its rather intact medieval architecture and that of later periods, the urban structure, the richness and quality of Art Nouveau architecture and the 19-th century wooden architecture of the city.

After Riga we enter beautiful Gauja National Park to do some hiking. There we will also see old Hanseatic League town called Cēsis and Sigulda to visit the Turaida Museum Reserve with the remains of Turaida Castle.

And now we are back in Estonia and the road leads again into the wetlands where we will see a nature lovers dream – Soomaa National Park. Time will fly while hiking and canoeing in that huge bog area.

Next stop will be Pärnu, the summer capital of Estonia with its beautiful beach. And then we move on to the islands. Saaremaa is the biggest island in Estonia where we spend the next couple of days to experience all the endless richness’s. We will visit unique Kaali meteorite crater, Kuressaare town with its medieval well-preserved Episcopal castle-fortification and much more.

Back on the mainland awaits Haapsalu - the town of warm sea water, curative mud and fresh air. And then we are heading back to Tallinn to finish this exciting grand tour of Estonia and Latvia!